The announcement of seven times World Champion Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari from the 2025 season has definitely shaken up the Formula 1 world.
With the British driver parting ways with the German team, a top seat has suddenly opened up for the near future, thus allowing for an interesting whirlwind of rumours about who will take up on the Silver Arrows challenge.
The names coming up more often in this unexpected round of silly season have featured both experienced drivers like Alonso and young guns like Mercedes-backed youngsters Kimi Antonelli and Mick Schumacher, as well as the likes of Ocon, Sainz and Albon.
The Thai driver has talked about his future with the British team, addressing such rumours after the car presentation:
“Where I stand is: I’m very excited to see how this FW46 develops, I want to see how the car feels in Bahrain and the subsequent four, five, six races and really get a feel for the progression that I hope we’ve made as a team,”
“My whole focus is on Williams and that’s where I see myself. The rate of progression, to me, is also very important, so time will tell. I feel like I’m very close to my peak.”
Alongside his statement of dedication to the team founded by sir Frank Williams’ cause, Albon admits he’s ready to raise the stakes in his Formula 1 career, hoping it can happen with his current team:
“There’s always improvements to be done and there’s still areas to improve, but generally, with my experience now and where I am, I feel like I am deserving of a car that can score podiums and fight for wins. And that’s just being totally honest with how I see myself.”
“More than anything, I want that team to be Williams. And that’s where I put all my work and all my efforts into. And outside of that, that’s just really: how does it fall into place?
“It’s very clear to me, especially when you see the driver market, there’s a huge interest in teams wanting the same driver for 25 and 26,” he added on recalling the recent contract extensions signed by Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, as well as the Hamilton news.
“That’s how it looks like it’s playing out. And let’s see about that. Realistically I want to be with the team. If the team is where I want it to be, it will be a long-term contract. We’re gonna go all the way or nothing. That’s my idea with it,” he concluded.
Asked on how he will judge Williams ability to deliver the results he would like to achieve in the near future, Albon mentioned the great relationship he has with recently appointed Team Principal James Vowles:
“It’s a bit of a feel, to be fair to you. James always keeps me up to date with where the team is at, the progress and the areas we need to work on, the areas that I can help him improve and whatnot.
“He’s very open in that sense, which is obviously a very nice relationship to have with your team principal. It’s going to take time, you know, I think that 2026-27 is the period of time where I think we’re going to be able to consistently fight for podiums, and obviously, that’s quite far away.”
He admitted that it might take a while to reach that level of performance, but that he is willing to do his best to reach the coveted top spots:
“I just have to be happy with the journey that we’re on and the progress that we’re making. That’s pretty clear in my view of where I see the team and where I want the team to be. And of course, I will be assisting and pushing for that as far as I can.”
Albon was even more clear in stating his intention of continuing his Williams partnership for the time being while talking to Sky Sports UK: “Truthfully, the focus really isn’t there at the moment,” he replied to a question about his potential interest towards the Mercedes free seat alongside George Russell.
“That’s more for behind-the-scenes work. I’m focused on Williams and the positive spiral that we’re on and trying to do the best job I can.”
Albon’s best finish with Williams was P7, which he was able to reach twice, in Canada and at Monza, as well as a great qualifying pace featuring a number of Q3 apperaences.
“Obviously, the interest comes in the performances. That’s why there’s a bit of a noise, just because of the season that we’ve had last year.
“I’ve got to keep that up and then do a bit more just to make sure that these opportunities are available. At the same time, I am focused at Williams for now, and a lot of it will be about these first few races that are on the calendar, seeing how much of a step we’ve made as a team,” he concluded.
